MOLINE, Mich.,– Workers in the reconditioning unit at the West Michigan Auto Auction have really “changed” the way they view loose change. Since November, the group has been collecting and saving the dimes, pennies and nickels they find while cleaning and getting cars ready to hit the auction block.
The initiative, dubbed “Recon’s Heart”, has already lead to nearly $3,000 thousand dollars being collected. The group has decided to donate the money to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital since one of their own has a personal connection to the medical facility.
Lucy Slone, who started working in the recon unit about a year ago, lost a son to cancer when he was just 17. The movement has served as a tribute to him, and as a morale boost for the entire staff.
“If it makes a kid smile a little bit, then that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Slone told FOX 17 News.”This whole thing has just snowballed and it’s one huge blessing.”
Slone explained the idea came about after the owners approached the group and presented them with the idea of collecting change to save up for a party. Workers decided instead to donate the money.
The coins, which have typically been swept up and tossed out, are now being carefully kept in cups and jars around the building. Slone says the plan is to keep Recon’s Heart going for as long as it can.
“It will never stop. This is not a one time thing,” she said. “We’re going to continue to pick up pennies, we’re going to continue to pull out quarters or dollars or whatever. We’re going to continue to help the hospital, as long as these doors are open, that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
Recon’s Heart plans to write and present the first check to DeVos Children’s Hospital on January 23rd.